Derek Carr and the improved Geno Smith will get most of the attention leading to Sunday's Raiders-Jets season opener, but it's the pawns and not the quarterbacks who will decide the chess match.

The 330-pound pawns.

Especially the one who played last year for the Jets and returns to New Jersey this year as a key member of the Raiders' new and improved offensive line. Austin Howard has also made another move, from tackle to guard, and will lead the way for Oakland's running game.

"We want to take the responsibility of leading this offense to win many games," Howard said. "We know that it all starts up front."

The 6-foot-7 Howard started all 32 games for the Jets at right tackle the past two seasons, then signed with the Raiders this offseason.

"Having the history I do, it obviously means a little more playing the Jets," Howard said. "But I don't need to get extra amped up. I am amped up to get to our goal. Which is making it to the playoffs. And obviously beating the Jets is part of that progression."

It was in New York where Howard met Tony Sparano, the Jets' offensive coordinator in 2012 and now the Raiders' offensive line coach. Once Sparano made the phone call this offseason, it was a no-brainer. With a twist.

"It was no big deal when they asked me to play guard," Howard said, exactly the way undrafted players out of Northern Iowa say it. "Things happen a lot quicker inside, but it's a matter of focusing on each and every detail. I have been getting better each and every practice."

Plus, Sparano had already worked Howard some at guard at practice in New York.

"We had a little insider information to know there was certainly that potential," Raiders head coach Dennis Allen said. "I think he's done a nice job in the transition there. And, again, one of the things we wanted to do was we wanted to get bigger and more physical up front and I think we were able to do that."

Howard, 27, is one of three newcomers up front in the starting lineup, along with left tackle Donald Penn and rookie left guard Gabe Jackson. Stefen Wisniewski is back at center and Khalif Barnes, who started at left tackle last season, has moved from guard to right tackle to make room for Jackson.

"It's been great," Howard said. "We have a great offensive line coach and a great head coach. Having the veterans that we do on the offensive line, we have been able to gel and mesh quicker than most would assume.

"We're going to move people out of the way and be very physical."

Jets head coach Rex Ryan might get a little teary-eyed when he sees the big lug on the other side of the field Sunday.

"No question it's tough to lose a guy, a young player that really fits the mold that you look for. ... We're really proud of his development," Ryan said. "But the credit goes to him. He's the guy that pushed himself and did everything and made himself become an outstanding football player. ... People might not know his name, but they're going to. He's really an excellent player."

Briefly: Middle linebacker Nick Roach (head) was back at practice Wednesday on a limited basis but has not yet passed the last concussion test. ... Offensive coordinator Greg Olson said tight end David Ausberry (knee) had a good week of practice, with "no limitations."